Found 372 blog entries tagged as For Buyers.

Believe it or not, almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. And if you’re hoping to buy a home, this is a mission-critical gap to close – fast (see graph below):

No Caption ReceivedHere’s what you need to know to make the most of your down payment in today’s housing market.

Amplify Your Down Payment Potential

For first-time buyers, the name of the game with down payments is making sure you’re taking advantage of all the resources out there designed to help you. And a bunch of them can get you to your goal faster than you may have thought possible.

For example, there are loan options that require as little as 3% down, or even 0% for certain qualified borrowers, like Veterans. And let’s not forget down…

254 Views, 0 Comments

No Caption Received

Some Highlights

  • Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line.
  • As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too. Even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power.
  • If you put your search on hold when mortgage rates were higher, think about how much you could save now that rates are coming down.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

185 Views, 0 Comments

Are you considering a move to North Aurora, Illinois? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, relocating to a new area is a big decision that requires careful planning. North Aurora, a charming suburb in Kane County, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and easy access to urban amenities. In this blog post, we'll cover five essential tips you need to know before making your move to North Aurora, IL. From understanding the local housing market to exploring community amenities, these insights will help you make an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

North Aurora, IL: An Overview

North Aurora Illinois

Located in the heart of Kane County, North Aurora provides its residents with a picturesque…

1085 Views, 0 Comments

Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now. But here’s some good news: builders are focusing their efforts on building smaller homes, and they’re offering key incentives to buyers. And both of these things can be a big help if you're worried about finding a home that’s right for your budget. 

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes 

During the pandemic, homebuyers were looking for larger homes—and many could afford them. Builders responded to that demand and created bigger spaces to help people with things like working from home, setting up home gyms, and having extra rooms for virtual school.

Now, with affordability as tight as it is, builders are turning their focus to smaller single-family homes. Data from…

344 Views, 0 Comments

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half. And that’s big news if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this moment.

Even a small decline in rates could help you get a better monthly payment than you would expect on your next home. And the drop that’s happened recently isn’t small. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a percent . . . and are at their lowest level since February 2023.”

But if you want to see it to really believe it, here’s how the math shakes out. Take a closer look at the impact on your monthly payment.

The chart below shows what a monthly payment (principal and interest) would look like on a $400K home loan if you…

210 Views, 0 Comments

A shift is underway in the housing market this season. And if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to jump back into your homebuying search, this is a great time to do it. That’s because the best week to buy a home this year is just around the corner. Your sweet spot is here.

 The experts at Realtor.com study seasonal trends to figure out the ideal week for homebuyers:

“Nationally, the best time to buy in 2024 is the week of Sept. 29–Oct. 5. This week historically has shown the best balance of market conditions that favor buyers. Inventory tends to be high, prices are below peak levels, demand is waning, and the pace of the market slows to a more manageable speed.” 

In addition to the historical trends and typical…

236 Views, 0 Comments

Choosing between renting and buying a home in St. Charles, IL is a significant decision that can have a long-lasting impact on your financial stability, lifestyle, and future. With the cost of living fluctuating, the real estate market evolving, and personal circumstances always changing, it’s no wonder that many people are unsure of which path to take. Should you continue renting, enjoying the flexibility and low commitment it offers? Or is it time to invest in homeownership and reap the long-term benefits of owning property?

This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of renting and buying a home in St. Charles, IL, helping you weigh your options so you can make the best decision for your personal and financial future.

Rent vs. Buy a Home…

754 Views, 0 Comments

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs?

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. And while they’ll vary based on the price of the home and how it’s being financed, every buyer has these, so they shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s just that some people forget to budget for them. According to Freddie Mac, this part of the homebuying process typically includes: 

  • Application fees
  • Credit report fees
  • Loan…

188 Views, 0 Comments

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move.

As a buyer, you might be worried about paying more than you should. And if you're thinking of selling, you might be concerned about not getting the price you're aiming for. 

So, here's a quick breakdown to help clear things up and show you what’s really happening with prices—whether you're thinking about buying or selling. 

Home Price Growth Is Slowing, but Prices Aren’t Falling Nationally

Throughout the country, home price appreciation is moderating. What that means is, prices are still going up, but they're not rising as quickly as they were in recent years. The…

226 Views, 0 Comments

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s…

178 Views, 0 Comments